Water levels in eight major irrigation systems in Eastern Visayas have improved this week after days of heavy rains, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) reported on Wednesday.

From nine irrigation systems with below-normal levels recorded on Sept. 11, the number decreased to eight, with water levels showing improvement in most dams as of Sept. 15, according to NIA.

“Dam water levels have slightly increased due to heavy rains since Sept. 12, 2026. Despite this improvement, all farmers are reminded to remain mindful and practice efficient management of irrigation water,” the NIA regional office stated.

The eight irrigation systems categorized by the NIA as “below normal” are the Tingib Dam in Pastrana town, Tibak Dam in Sta. Fe, Marabong Irrigation System in Burauen, Mainit River Irrigation System in Alangalang, Pongso River Irrigation System in Barugo, Bao River Irrigation System in Kananga, all in Leyte; and Calbiga Communal Irrigation System in Calbiga, and Basey Irrigation System in Basey town, both in Samar province.

Among the affected systems, the Tingib Dam logged one of the largest gaps from its normal level, with its current reading at 74 centimeters (cm) compared with the normal 120 cm. The system was not included as below normal in the previous advisory.

The Bao River in Kananga also recorded a significant decline, with a current level of 51 cm compared with its normal 70 cm. This is a remarkable improvement over the 38 cm logged by NIA in its Sept. 11 monitoring.

Mainit River’s level also improved to 58 cm from the previous 48 cm readings, but still below the 70 cm normal condition.

The other systems showed smaller but still below-normal readings. The Tibak Dam recorded 19.55 cm, compared with its normal level of 19.85 cm; Marabong River, 59.98 cm from 60 cm; Pongso River, 98 cm from 100 cm; Calbiga Communal Irrigation, 13.90 cm from 13.96 cm; and the Basey Irrigation System, 40.06 cm from 40.31 cm.

The NIA said water delivery schedules have been adjusted in response to the overall water situation.

“We are kindly asking all affected farmers to cooperate and are advising everyone to follow the designated irrigation schedule, as we have adjusted our water delivery schedule accordingly,” the NIA advisory added.

Despite the ongoing dry spell, several parts of Eastern Visayas have experienced rainfall this week due to an active Intertropical Convergence Zone. (PNA)